Fielder's Choice

I’ve had a hand in getting almost 2,000 weekly newspapers to print since 1984.

Friends and family have heard many times — “I have to get the paper out,” particularly when it comes to Mondays and Tuesdays.

That recent Sunday night, when I started hurting, that was actually my first thought — the newspaper.

Monday was tough. Tuesday was better.

And just like those previous plus-1,800 times, at different locations, the newspaper made it to press on time.

But I will say this — this time around, more than any other, was almost a huge mistake on my part. Putting off the pain almost cost me more than a gall bladder.

Following the Wednesday surgery and a couple of nights in the hospital at Oxford, I was blessed to be able to go home on Friday.

When my surgeon came by that morning to release me, I remember her words well — “Mr. Burleson, one thing for sure, you’re a tough guy.”

This gall bladder issue had obviously going on for awhile but I just kept on keeping on, until it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I rested at home Friday and Saturday. I watched more TV than I’ve watched in a long time. And it was good to eat again, too.

She warned me that with the gall bladder gone, I would just have to kind of take the trial and error approach on what foods work best for me.

“But I wouldn’t go home and eat a hot dog just yet,” she said.

I’ve also been avoiding onions. I think those are really what set off the very serious gall bladder attack that landed me in the emergency room and sudden surgery. I may never eat another onion.

By Sunday afternoon, after the surgery, I really, really needed some office time. After all, tons of e-mail, photos and writing were awaiting me, and the next paper had to make it to press, too.

My wife Pam gave in, and thank goodness, the job entails largely working in a chair and looking at a computer screen.

I was back at work seven or eight hours the following Monday and seven or eight Tuesday, too. Another paper hit the streets. Then I took Wednesday off to rest up.

Pam and I have continued to get flooded with get well wishes — by text, in person, via e-mail and in person. I am so thankful for each and every one who has reached out to check on me during my recovery period.

I got several calls after last week’s column.

“Barry, I didn’t know anything about your surgery until I read your column.” My thoughts — it’s always good when you read it first in your community newspaper.

On Wednesday of last week, I had my follow-up visit with my surgeon. It took less than a minute for her to look at my incisions and tell me all was fine.

Then she warned, “Don’t lift anything over 10 pounds for four more weeks.” And she added once again, “Mr. Burleson, your gall bladder was in really bad shape. You made it to the emergency room in the nick of time.” I again thanked her for her expertise in her field of work.

It’s great to be feeling better each day.